Fabrication of chitosan nanocomposites loaded with biosynthetic metallic nanoparticles and their therapeutic investigation

The present research demonstrates the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles facilitated by Cissus quadrangularis (CQ-ZnONPs) and subsequent synthesis of chitosan-conjugated nanocomposites (CQ-CS/ZnONCs) along with their biological assessment. The biosynthesized nanoparticles and nanocomposites were physicochemically characterized and therapeutically assessed for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic potential. The formation of CQ-ZnONPs and CQ-CS/ZnONCs was preliminarily validated by the change in color and subsequently by UV-visible spectroscopic analysis. The crystalline peaks associated with the CQ-ZnONPs in CQ-CS/ZnONCs were established by XRD analysis. Morphological evaluation of CQ-ZnONPs and CQ-CS/ZnONCs was carried out through FE-SEM and HRTEM studies. The particle size of the CQ-ZnONPs and CQ-CS/ZnONCs was 243.3 nm and 176.6 nm, with a PDI of 0.188 and 0.199, respectively. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites expressed Zeta potential of -15.7 mV and -16.2 mV, respectively. The CQ-ZnONPs and CQ-CS/ZnONCs showed good radical effectiveness with various in-vitro assays. The formulated nanoparticles and nanocomposites displayed significant antibacterial activity against the selected bacterial pathogens. CQ-CS/ZnONCs presented noteworthy α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects compared to CQ-ZnONPs with IC50 of 73.66 ± 1.21 μg/mL and 87.59 ± 1.29 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the synthesized CQ-CS/ZnONCs demonstrated 98.92 ± 0.39% and 99.58 ± 0.16% wound contraction (at 7 and 14 mg, respectively), significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the standard and CQ-ZnONPs. Thus, the CQ-ZnONPs and CQ-CS/ZnONCs could effectively develop promising drug delivery systems to inhibit pathogens and chronic tissue repair.

Visual impairment and blindness among children from schools for the blind in Maharashtra state, India: Changing trends over the last decade

Purpose:

To determine the causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in schools for the blind in Maharashtra, India.

Methods:

Children aged <16 years, enrolled in the schools for the blind in Maharashtra state, India were examined between October 2018 and December 2019. The anatomical sites and etiology for blindness were recorded using the World Health Organization’s standard reporting form. Causes of blindness were compared among different regions of the state and also by different age groups.

Results:

Of the 1,969 students examined from 39 schools for the blind, 188 children (9.5%) had severe visual impairment and 1,666 children (84.6%) were blind. Whole globe anomalies (794, 42.8%) were the most common anatomical site of vision loss in children, followed by corneal (289, 15.6%) and retinal abnormalities (280, 15.2%). Corneal causes were second most common in the poorer districts of Vidarbha (15.3%) and Marathwada (14.6%), whereas retinal causes were second most common in the wealthier regions of western Maharashtra (18.3%) and Khandesh (24.1%). Nearly one-third (593, 32%) of children were blind from potentially avoidable causes. Preventable blindness consisting of corneal causes and retinopathy of prematurity was seen in 281 (15.2%) cases, whereas treatable causes comprising of lens-related causes, glaucomas, refractive errors, amblyopia, and uveitis accounted for another 311 (16.8%). Among the younger children (≤10 years), the proportion of corneal blindness was lower (83/623, 13.3% vs. 206/1232, 16.7%) and that of retinal blindness was higher (119/623, 19% vs. 163/1232, 13.2%) than the older children.

Conclusion:

Whole globe anomalies constitute a major cause of SVI and blindness in Maharashtra. There seems to be an increase in the proportion of retinal blindness, especially retinopathy of prematurity, suggesting a need for increased screening coverage.

Retrospective analysis of Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma: Clinical review

BACKGROUND

Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma (DA) is a rare, true neoplasm of jaws with reported incidence of 4-13% among other variants of Ameloblastoma, however this appears distinct than the classic Ameloblastoma in anatomical distribution and clinical presentation. This is often mistaken as a fibro-osseous lesion because of its similar radiological appearance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To describe the clinical, radiographic and histopathological characteristics through a series of new cases of histologically proven DA including a case of an exceptionally large, recurrent lesion along with retrospective analysis of cases from literature available for an improved understanding of the behaviour and prognosis of DA. A total of 50 cases were analysed for the anatomical distribution, radiographic presentation and management. Out of the 50 cases, 47 cases were from the English literature reported from 2011 to 2019 and 3 were new cases.

RESULTS

DA showed a slight male predilection (male: female=1.17:1) with a predominance in the fourth and fifth decade of life. Mandibular involvement (52%) was more commonly seen with a marked tendency for the anterior region. Radiographically, most of the lesions presented mixed radiopacity with radiolucency(80%) and root displacement was observed in only 70.27 % cases. Recurrence rate of 26 .47 % was observed. Cases treated with resection resulted in lesser recurrence as compared to those treated with enucleation and curettage.

CONCLUSIONS

DA is distinguished by a peculiar display of clinicalopathological parameters. DA has tendency of local disposition and propensity of recurrence, which thus necessitates its aggressive management. It is not possible to conclude or report on the aggressive/recurrent nature and appropriate treatment modality for DA due to inadequate follow-up results.

EVALUATION OF OCULAR DEVIATIONS AND PTOSIS AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

There is a paucity in world literature of a prospective study on post cataract strabismus and in Indian literature on post cataract ptosis. 150 cataract patients without pre-existing strabismus or ptosis were subjected to standard extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation under 2 point peribulbar anaesthesia and were post-operatively evaluated for strabismus and ptosis. At the end of first week, there were 10/150 (6.67%) cases of strabismus, 13/150 (8.67%) cases of ptosis and 5/150 (3.33%) of both combined, which reduced to 2% each (3/150) at the twelfth week. The probable factors for causation and recovery are being discussed.

PNEUMATIC RETINOPEXY IN RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT

Existing surgical modes for retinal detachment are elaborate and extremely complex. We have treated 20 cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with pneumatic retinopexy which is Iess time consuming and does not require hospitalization. After pneumatic retinopexy reattachment of retina was achieved in 15 (75%) eyes. In 2 eyes retinal reattachment was achieved after repeating intravitreal injection of sulphur hexafluoride gas. Remaining 3 eyes were secondarily treated with scleral buckle surgery. One case needed vitreoretinal surgery. In pneumatic retinopexy there is minimum tissue handling and functional results are good.

Abstract POSTER-BIOL-1307: Bioenergetic adaptations in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells

While, normal cells primarily rely on mitochondrial oxidative phosporylation (OXPHOS), cancer cells are known to preferentially take up glucose to produce energy using aerobic glycolysis pathway, described as the ‘Warburg effect’. Recently, this view that all cancer cells are dependent on glycolysis is being challenged. We examined the bioenergetic characteristics of a panel of 10 human ovarian cancer cell lines and 2 immortalized ovarian surface epithelial cell lines, using the Seahorse XF Extracellular Flux analyzer to measure glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in real time using the outputs of extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) respectively. The mitochondrial bioenergetics was read by taking baseline OCR following sequential addition of oligomycin, FCCP and rotenone/antimycin, which inhibit mitochondrial ATP synthase, uncouple mitochondrial OXPHOS and induce maximal respiration respectively. Glycolytic profile (ECAR) was generated after keeping the cells glucose free followed by sequential addition of glucose to induce glycolysis, oligomycin and 2-deoxy glucose to inhibit glycolysis. The OCR profile showed ovarian cancer cells lines to have diverse mitochondrial bioenergetics and diverse ability to use glycolysis. The OCR:ECAR ratio showed varied bioenergetic organization, with some cells relying heavily on glycolysis or OXPHOS, but most using both pathways equally. A significant positive correlation (correlation coefficient 0.7705; p=0.003) was observed between mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, confirming that glycolysis dependent cells have lower ATP-linked respiration rates. A similar diversity was observed in the mRNA expression of glycolytic (Glut1 and LDH) and mitochondrial (PGC-1α and CoxVb) genes. These findings highlight the actuality of extreme heterogeneity observed in cancer cells. A unique observation was the distinctive behavior of chemosensitive and resistant cell line pairs. Our panel contained a set of (i) cisplatin sensitive A2780 and resistant C200 cell lines and (ii) taxol sensitive PEO1 and resistant PEO4 cell lines. The resistant cells (C200 and PEO4) displayed higher ECAR and OCR profile compared to the sensitive cells (A2780 and PEO1), indicating an increased utilization of both energy pathways. The OCR:ECAR ratio suggested the sensitive cell lines to be glycolytic and the resistant cell lines to be highly metabolically active. This was further supported by increased mitochondrial function in the resistant cells, measured in terms of augmented fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial potential in the resistant cells. On inhibition of glycolysis, the resistant cells were able to increase OX-PHOS and maintain their growth, whereas sensitive cells could not increase OX-PHOS and ceased growth. This led us to a novel hypothesis that chemo-resistant ovarian cancer cells exhibit greater plasticity than normal and sensitive cells, making them more adaptable to rearrange their metabolic phenotype according to microenvironment changes and stress, giving them a selective advantage to overcome adverse conditions. Thus, the metabolic diversity could be a means of selecting resilient chemo-resistant cells over a period of cytotoxic insults.

Citation Format: J. Chhina, S. Dar, M. Deshpande, S. Giri, A. Munkarah, R. Rattan. Bioenergetic adaptations in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 10th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 8-9, 2014; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(16 Suppl):Abstract nr POSTER-BIOL-1307.

Rare case of Servelle Martorelle Syndrome

Servelle Martorelle Syndrome is a congenital vascular malformation associated with soft tissue hypertrophy and bony hypoplasia. This rarely involves whole of an extremity, with involvement of part of limbs reported in literature. We present a case of a twelve year boy who presented to the Department of Plastic Surgery SGPGIMS in April 2011 ,with history of circumferential soft tissue hypertrophy involving whole of left upper limb, scapular region and axilla since birth. The entire left upper limb length was lesser than the right upper limb. Hence this is a very rare case of Servelle Martorelle Syndrome having extensive limb involvement at a very young age. Highlighted is the role of conservative treatment and close follow-up to understand the natural history of the diseases, with prompt treatment of complications.

Estimation of inhibitory quotient using a comparative equilibrium dialysis assay for prediction of viral response to hepatitis C virus inhibitors

The relationship of inhibitory quotient (IQ) with the virologic response to specific inhibitors of human hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the best method to correct for serum protein binding in calculating IQ have not been addressed. A common method is to determine a fold shift by comparing the EC(50) values determined in cell culture in the absence and presence of human serum (fold shift in EC(50) ), but this method has a number of disadvantages. In the present study, the fold shifts in drug concentrations between 100% human plasma (HP) and cell culture medium (CCM) were directly measured using a modified comparative equilibrium dialysis (CED) assay for three HCV protease inhibitors (PIs) and for a novel HCV inhibitor GS-9132. The fold shift values in drug concentration between the HP and CCM (CED ratio) were ∼1 for SCH-503034, VX-950 and GS-9132 and 13 for BILN-2061. These values were ∼3-10-fold lower than the fold shift values calculated from the EC(50) assay for all inhibitors except BILN-2061. Using the CED values, a consistent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationship was observed for the four HCV inhibitors analysed. Specifically, an approximate 1 log(10) reduction in HCV RNA was achieved with an IQ close to 1, while 2-3 and greater log(10) reductions in HCV RNA were achieved with IQ values of 3-5 and greater, respectively. Thus, use of CED to define IQ provides a predictive and quantitative approach for the assessment of the in vivo potency of HCV PIs and GS-9132. This method provides a framework for the evaluation of other classes of drugs that are bound by serum proteins but require the presence of serum for in vitro evaluation.

Cancer of the buccal mucosa: a tale of two continents

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the buccal mucosa in North America is thought to be different from that in the Indian subcontinent. This study compared the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors in 64 patients with SCC of the buccal mucosa treated at Cancer Care Manitoba (CCMB), Canada, and 64 similar patients treated at the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), India. Overall, cause-specific and disease-free survival for the two geographical groups were calculated and the impact of individual prognostic factors on survival was assessed. CCMB patients were significantly older (p<0.001), had less differentiated tumour (p=0.053) and had higher chances of positive or close surgical margins (p=0.012). At 5 years, they had lower 5-year overall survival (57.4% versus 80.1%; p<0.001), cancer-specific survival (76.4% versus 85.0%; p=0.043) and disease-free survival (42.9% versus 66.4%; p=0.004). Age had an independent influence on overall survival and cause-specific survival. After adjusting for age there was no difference in cause-specific survival between the two groups (HR=1.20; 95% CI=0.46,3.17; p=0.710). The apparent survival difference between the CCMB and TMH patients was due to the difference in the age of presentation and not because of different biological behaviour.

Changing pattern of childhood blindness in Maharashtra, India

AIM

To determine the causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in schools for the blind in Maharashtra, India.

METHODS

Children aged <16 years with a visual acuity of <6/60 in the better eye, attending 35 schools for the blind were examined between 2002 and 2005, and causes were classified using the World Health Organization's system.

RESULTS

1985 students were examined, 1778 of whom fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The major causes of visual loss were congenital anomalies (microphthalmos or anophthalmos; 735, 41.3%), corneal conditions (mainly scarring; 395, 22.2%), cataract or aphakia (n = 107, 6%), and retinal disorders (mainly dystrophies; n = 199, 11.2%). More than one third of children (34.5%) were blind from conditions which could have been prevented or treated, 139 of whom were referred for surgery. Low vision devices improved near-acuity in 79 (4.4%) children, and 72 (4%) benefited from refraction. No variation in causes by sex or region was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Congenital anomalies accounted for 41% of blindness, which is higher than in a similar study conducted 10 years ago. Corneal scarring seems to be declining in importance, low vision and optical services need to be improved, and research is needed to determine the aetiology of congenital anomalies.

Role of activated astrocytes in neuronal damage: potential links to HIV-1-associated dementia

HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD) is an important complication of HIV-1 infection. Reactive astrogliosis is a key pathological feature in HAD brains and in other central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Activated astroglia may play a critical role in CNS inflammatory diseases such as HAD. In order to test the hypothesis that activated astrocytes cause neuronal injury, we stimulated primary human fetal astrocytes with HAD-relevant pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta. IL-1beta-activated astrocytes induced apoptosis and significant changes in metabolic activity in primary human neurons. An FITC-conjugated pan-caspase inhibitor peptide FITC-VAD-FMK was used for confirming caspase activation in neurons. IL-1beta activation enhanced the expression of death protein FasL in astrocytes, suggesting that FasL is one of the potential factors responsible for neurotoxicity observed in HAD and other CNS diseases involving glial inflammation. Our data presented here add to the developing picture of role of activated glia in HAD pathogenesis.

Is manual small incision cataract surgery affordable in the developing countries? A cost comparison with extracapsular cataract extraction

AIM

To compare the cost of manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) with conventional extracapsular cataract surgery (ECCE) in community eye care settings.

METHOD

A single masked randomised trial was used to compare the safety, efficacy, time, and patient satisfaction of surgery by both the techniques. The fixed facility and recurrent cost for the two procedures was calculated based on information collected from different sources. Average cost per procedure was calculated by dividing the total cost by the number of procedures performed.

RESULT

The average cost of an ECCE procedure for the hospital was Rs 727.76 (US$15.82) and the average cost of a MSICS procedure was Rs 721.40 ($15.68), of which Rs. 521.51 ($11.34) was the fixed facility cost common to both.

CONCLUSION

Both ECCE and MSICS are economical in community eye care settings, but MSICS is economical and gives better uncorrected visual acuity in a greater proportion of patients.

Extracapsular cataract surgery compared with manual small incision cataract surgery in community eye care setting in western India: a randomised controlled trial

AIM

To study "manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS)" for the rehabilitation of cataract visually impaired and blind patients in community based, high volume, eye hospital setting; to compare the safety and effectiveness of MSICS with conventional extracapsular cataract surgery (ECCE).

METHODS

In a single masked randomised controlled clinical trial, 741 patients, aged 40-90 years, with operable cataract were randomly assigned to receive either MSICS or ECCE and operated upon by one of eight participating surgeons. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were graded and scored according to the Oxford Cataract Treatment and Evaluation Team recommendations. The patients were followed up at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 1 year after surgery and their visual acuity recorded.

RESULTS

This paper reports outcomes at 1 and 6 weeks. 706 of the 741(95.3%) patients completed the 6 week follow up. 135 of 362 (37.3%) of ECCE group and 165 of 344 (47.9%) of MSICS group had uncorrected visual acuity of 6/18 or better after 6 weeks of follow up. 314 of 362 (86.7%) of ECCE group and 309 of 344 (89.8%) of MSICS group had corrected postoperative vision of 6/18 or better. Four of 362 (1.1%) of ECCE group and six of 344 (1.7%) of MSICS group had corrected postoperative visual acuity less than 6/60. There were no significant differences between the two groups for intraoperative and severe postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

MSICS and ECCE are both safe and effective techniques for treatment of cataract patients in community eye care settings. MSICS needs similar equipment to ECCE, but gives better uncorrected vision.

2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate inhibits phototransduction and blocks voltage-gated potassium channels in Limulus ventral photoreceptors

2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) is a membrane-permeable modulator that inhibits the activation of inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptors, store operated channels (SOCs) and TRP channels in cells that utilize the phosphoinositide cascade for cellular signaling. In Limulus ventral photoreceptors, light-induced calcium release via the phosphoinositide cascade is thought to activate the photocurrent. Injection of either exogenous InsP(3) or calcium ions can therefore mimic excitation by light. One hundred micromolar 2-APB reversibly inhibited the photocurrent of ventral photoreceptors in a concentration-dependent manner, acting on at least two processes thought to mediate the visual cascade. 2-APB reversibly inhibited both light and InsP(3)-induced calcium release, consistent with its role as an inhibitor of the InsP(3) receptor. In addition, 2-APB reversibly inhibited the activation of depolarizing current flow through the plasma membrane caused by pulsed pressure injection of calcium ions into the light-sensitive lobe of the photoreceptor. We also found that 100 micro M 2-APB reversibly inhibited both transient and sustained voltage-activated potassium current during depolarizing steps. 2-APB has previously been shown to block phototransduction in Drosophila photoreceptors. The lack of specificity of the action of 2-APB in Limulus indicates that this blockade need not necessarily arise from inhibition of InsP(3)-induced calcium release.

Biodegradation of 1,4-dioxane in planted and unplanted soil: effect of bioaugmentation with Amycolata sp. CB1190

1,4-Dioxane is one of the most recalcitrant and toxic contaminants in the subsurface. This study investigated the potential to enhance dioxane biodegradation in both planted and unplanted soil, by adding the dioxane-degrading actinomycete, Amycolata sp. CB1190. Dioxane was not removed within 120 days in sterile controls or in viable microcosms not amended with CB 1190. Poplar root extract (40 mg/L as COD) stimulated dioxane degradation in bioaugmented soil, and 100 mg/L dioxane were removed within 45 days. Other co-substrates that enhanced dioxane degradation by CB1190 include tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1-butanol, while glucose and soil extract did not affect dioxane degradation. The stimulatory effect of THF was partly due to enhanced enzyme induction, while that of root extract and 1-butanol was attributed to additional growth of CB1190. In another experiment with dioxane added at 10 mg/kg-soil. reactors planted with hybrid poplar trees removed (by evapotranspiration and biodegradation in the root zone) more dioxane within 26 days than unplanted reactors, regardless of whether CB1190 was added. Nevertheless, CB1190 enhanced mineralization of [14C]-dioxane in all experiments. This enhancement was more pronounced in unplanted soil because plant uptake reduced the availability of dioxane for microbial degradation. These results suggest that bioaugmented phytoremediation is an attractive alternative to remove dioxane from shallow contaminated sites.

Causing a stir: biomolecular mixing

A proposition is made, and an argument presented for the existence of molecular stirrers inside the living cell. These, as hypothesized, are rotating proteins with long arms mixing the cellular milieu, which is essential for various kinds of interactions. There are no proteins found performing this role, yet. Thus this proposition could be of importance for the progress of scientific finding, by being on the look out for such proteins. Protein stirrers could be rotary motors quite fundamental to the living cell and experimental findings that could suggest the presence of such a stirring machinery are discussed. Possible experimental approaches towards testing this hypothesis are presented.

Copolymers of amine methacrylate with poly(ethylene glycol) as vectors for gene therapy

A series of structurally related copolymers of tertiary amine methacrylate with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were investigated for their potential to serve as vectors for gene therapy. The effects of copolymer structure on the complexation and transfection ability were assessed. The ability of the PEG-based copolymers and DMAEMA homopolymer to bind and condense DNA was confirmed by gel electrophoresis, ethidium bromide displacement and transmission electron microscopy. The presence of PEG in the copolymers had a beneficial effect on their ability to bind to DNA. Colloidally stable complexes were obtained for all the PEG-copolymer systems as shown by uniformly discrete spherical images from transmission electron microscopy and approximate diameters of 80-100 nm by dynamic light scattering studies. DMAEMA homopolymer, however, produced agglomerated particles, confirming the important role played by the PEG chains in producing compact stable DNA complexes. Assessment of the effect of ionic strength of the buffer on the complexation and dissociation of the complexes indicated the importance of both electrostatic and non-electrostatic interactions in the polymer-DNA complexation. In vitro transfection experiments showed that DMAEMA homopolymer gave the highest level of transfection comparable to a control poly-L-lysine (PLL) system. The PEG-based copolymers gave reduced levels of transfection, most likely due to the steric stabilization effect of a PEG corona.

Beneficial effect of supplementation with copper sulfate on STZ-diabetic mice (IDDM)

Trace element status is known to be altered in the diabetic state. Current evidence suggests that reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI's) do participate in the destruction of pancreatic beta cells in STZ-induced Type 1 diabetes. The copper and zinc status of diabetic patients and their descendants was also found to have changed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential usefulness of copper sulfate in the treatment of STZ-induced type I diabetes. We used C57BL6 female mice, in whom copper sulfate treatment was started at 6 weeks of age followed by an IP injection of 40 mg/kg body weight of STZ for five consecutive days. Its effects were evaluated at 10 weeks of age. The treatment with copper sulfate significantly decreased blood glucose levels, levels of lipid peroxidation and mRNA expression of the enzyme iNOS and the cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-4. Histological analysis of the pancreas revealed that, three out of five animals in the copper sulfate treated groups showed absence of mononuclear cell infiltration and no change in the shape and size of islets as compared to pancreas of the STZ-induced diabetic group of animals. In conclusion, our observations indicate that copper sulfate treatment can exert beneficial effects in diabetes with preservation of beta-cell function in vivo. Copper sulfate could be exerting these beneficial effects either by acting directly by reducing free radicals or through reduction in glucose levels.

Immunobiology of CD28 expression on human neutrophils. I. CD28 regulates neutrophil migration by modulating CXCR-1 expression

CD28, described as a T cell costimulatory molecule so far, is expressed on human peripheral blood neutrophils, as shown by cell surface staining and immunoprecipitation with anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody, and by reverse transcription PCR. The phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-augmented expression of CD28 on these cells can be blocked by actinomycin D, an RNA transcription inhibitor, and staurosporin, a protein kinase inhibitor. Cross-linking of CD28 results in an early increase in IL-8 receptor A (IL-8RA or CXCR-1) expression and a concurrent increase in IL-8-induced chemotaxis. The expression of CXCR-1 is down-regulated by receptor internalization 3 h after CD28 cross-linking with concurrent decrease in IL-8-induced chemotactic migration. Thus, our results demonstrate for the first time that CD28 is expressed on human peripheral blood neutrophils and that CD28 may play an important role in the regulation of IL-8RA expression and migration of neutrophils in response to IL-8.

A short formal synthesis of squalamine from a microbial metabolite

A short formal synthesis of squalamine is described, utilizing the biotransformation product 2, which is available in one step from commercially available 3-keto-23,24-bisnorchol-4-en-22-ol (1). Regioselective C-22 oxidation and C-24 sulfation of the corresponding alcohols in the presence of a free C-7 alcohol make for an efficient preparation of squalamine intermediate 11.

Salicylamide inhibitors of influenza virus fusion

Structural variation of the quinolizidine heterocycle of the influenza fusion inhibitor BMY-27709 was examined by several topological dissections in order to illuminate the critical features of the ring system. This exercise resulted in the identification of a series of synthetically more accessible decahydroquinolines that retained the structural elements of BMY-27709 important for antiviral activity. The 2-methyl-cis-decahydroquinoline 6f was the most potent influenza inhibitor identified that demonstrated an EC50 of 90 ng/mL in a plaque reduction assay.

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is required for maintenance of olfactory adaptation in Drosophila antennae

A role for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) as a second messenger during olfactory transduction has been postulated in both vertebrates and invertebrates. However, given the absence of either suitable pharmacological reagents or mutant alleles specific for the IP(3) signaling pathway, an unequivocal demonstration of IP(3) function in olfaction has not been possible. Here we have investigated the role of a well-established cellular target of IP(3)-the IP(3) receptor (IP(3)R)-in olfactory transduction in Drosophila. For this purpose we tested existing viable combinations of IP(3)R mutant alleles, as well as a newly generated set of viable itpr alleles, for olfactory function. In all of the viable allelic combinations primary olfactory responses were found to be normal. However, a subset of itpr alleles (including a null allele) exhibit faster recovery after a strong pulse of odor, indicating that the IP(3)R is required for maintenance of olfactory adaptation. Interestingly, this defect in adaptation is dominant for two of the alleles tested, suggesting that the mechanism of adaptation is sensitive to levels of the IP(3)R.

PREDICT: A simple risk score for clinical severity and long-term prognosis after hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina: the Minnesota heart survey

BACKGROUND

We evaluated short- and long-term mortality risks in 30- to 74-year-old patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina and developed a new score called PREDICT.

METHODS AND RESULTS

PREDICT was based on information routinely collected in hospital. Predictors abstracted from hospital record items pertaining to the admission day, including shock, heart failure, ECG findings, cardiovascular disease history, kidney function, and age. Comorbidity was assessed from discharge diagnoses, and mortality was determined from death certificates. For 1985 and 1990 hospitalizations, the 6-year death rate in 6134 patients with 0 to 1 score points was 4%, increasing stepwise to 89% for >/=16 points. Score validity was established by only slightly attenuated mortality prediction in 3570 admissions in 1970 and 1980. When case severity was controlled for, 6-year risk declined 32% between 1970 and 1990. When PREDICT was held constant, 24% of those treated with thrombolysis died in 6 years compared with 31% of those not treated.

CONCLUSIONS

The simple PREDICT risk score was a powerful prognosticator of 6-year mortality after hospitalization.

pH-dependent changes in photoaffinity labeling patterns of the H1 influenza virus hemagglutinin by using an inhibitor of viral fusion

The hemagglutinin (HA) protein undergoes a low-pH-induced conformational change in the acidic milieu of the endosome, resulting in fusion of viral and cellular membranes. A class of compounds that specifically interact with the HA protein of H1 and H2 subtype viruses and inhibit this conformational change was recently described (G. X. Luo et al., Virology 226:66-76, 1996, and J. Virol. 71:4062-4070, 1997). In this study, purified HA trimers (bromelain-cleaved HA [BHA]) are used to examine the properties and binding characteristics of these inhibitors. Compounds were able to inhibit the low-pH-induced change of isolated trimers, as detected by resistance to digestion with trypsin. Protection from digestion was extremely stable, as BHA-inhibitor complexes could be incubated for 24 h in low pH with almost no change in BHA structure. One inhibitor was prepared as a radiolabeled photoaffinity analog and used to probe for specific drug interactions with the HA protein. Analysis of BHA after photoaffinity analog binding and UV cross-linking revealed that the HA2 subunit of the HA was specifically radiolabeled. Cross-linking of the photoaffinity analog to BHA under neutral (native) pH conditions identified a stretch of amino acids within the alpha-helix of HA2 that interact with the inhibitor. Interestingly, cross-linking of the analog under acidic conditions identified a different region within the HA2 N terminus which interacts with the photoaffinity compound. These attachment sites help to delineate a potential binding pocket and suggest a model whereby the BHA is able to undergo a partial, reversible structural change in the presence of inhibitor compound.

MYCOTIC KERATITIS

Mycotic keratitis is a distressing infection and may lead to permanent blindness. Fifty two cases of suspected mycotic keratitis were studied from Jan 91 to Sep 94. Specimens were collected on swabs in 20 cases and by corneal scraping in 32 cases. Wet mount examination of the specimens revealed fungal elements in 8 (15.4%) cases, of which 3 specimens were collected on swabs and 5 by corneal scraping. Fungi were isolated from a total of 12 (23.1%) specimens 5 of which were obtained by swabs while 7 by corneal scraping. Important pathogens were Fusarium spp, Aspergillus spp, Candida albicans and Cephalosporium spp. Direct examination of the specimens was found to be less sensitive than culture for the diagnosis of mycotic keratitis.

Ultrasonography of the brain in preterm infants and its correlation with neurodevelopmental outcome

Two hundred and eighteen preterm neonates had ultrasonography (USG) brain done on third, and/or seventh and fourteenth day of life. Fifty eight (26.3%) had intraventricular/ periventricular hemorrhage, 3 had parenchymal lesions. 46 had Grade I hemorrhage, 9 had Grade II, 2 had Grade III and 1 had Grade IV hemorrhage. Grade III and IV hemorrhages occurred in neonates below 34 weeks gestation. There was an inverse relationship between gestation age and hemorrhage (p = 0.0001). A comparison of incidence of hemorrhage between preterms who were appropriate for gestational age was not significant. Out of the 63 neonates who had serial USGs on the third and seventh day of life, 15 of the 16 bleeds (94%) were detected on the third day itself, indicating it to be a opportune time for doing an USG. USG at term (40 weeks postconceptual age) was done in 99 infants to see if it could correctly predict the neurodevelopmental outcome using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Out of these 99 infants, 72 came for the developmental assessment at one year. One neonate who had periventricular leucomalacia with cystic changes on USG at term, was grossly abnormal with cerebral palsy and mental retardation. Six infants showed delayed development with a mean mental development quotient of 79.1 +/- 1.72 at 2 years. The specificity of USG at term for predicting outcome was 89.2% and negative predictive outcome was 90%, indicating that a normal USG at term predicted a good neurodevelopmental outcome.

Rapid large-scale growth of Helicobacter pylori in flasks and fermentors

We developed procedures for large-scale cultivation of Helicobacter pylori in flasks and fermentors. Flasks incubated closed under a microaerophilic gas phase with a cotton plug covered by a plastic bag, followed by removal of the bag after 8 h, gave excellent growth. Growth in a 10-liter fermentor led to excessive foaming if the medium was sparged with gas; silicone- or polyglycol-based antifoaming agents were severely inhibitory. Use of fermentor surface gassing, first with a microaerophilic 6% oxygen gas mixture, then with air, and then with 95% oxygen, allowed the culture to grow to an A600 of 2.5 in < 24 h. This method was modified for scale-up to a 100-liter fermentor.

OUR EXPERIENCE OF IOL IMPLANTATION IN PAEDIATRIC AGE GROUP

Forty eyes of 35 patients in paediatric age group suffering from congenital/traumatic cataracts were operated. Posterior chamber intra ocular lens (PC IOL) implantation was carried out and followed for four years. Twenty one eyes (52.5%) showed visual recovery of 6/18 or better. Forward thrust was the commonest per operative complication. Uveitis and pupillary distortion were the common post operative complications. PC IOL implantation appears to be safe and promising procedure.